Atherosclerotic plaque and arterial wall

Atherosclerotic plaque and the arterial wall refer to the complex pathological structures involved in the development of atherosclerosis, rather than a single molecular target. An atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, calcium, and inflammatory cells within the arterial intima, leading to narrowing of the vessel lumen (Libby, 2021, Nature). The arterial wall itself consists of three layers—the intima, media, and adventitia—which undergo significant remodeling during disease progression (Lusis, 2000, Nature). Therapeutic interventions do not target the "plaque" as a single entity but instead focus on specific molecular drivers such as HMG-CoA reductase (targeted by statins) or PCSK9 to lower circulating LDL-C levels (Sabatine, 2019, JAMA Cardiology). Advanced imaging and biomarkers like C-reactive protein are used to assess the vulnerability of these structures to rupture, which is the primary cause of acute cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction (Hansson, 2005, New England Journal of Medicine). Consequently, while it is a primary focus of cardiovascular medicine, it serves as a therapeutic site rather than a discrete pharmacological target.

Other names

AtheromaArterial plaqueVascular lesionAtherosclerotic lesion

Pharmacological agents target specific molecular components within the plaque or systemic pathways (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, PCSK9 inhibition) to reduce lipid deposition and inflammatory activity within the arterial wall.